GPR Mapping Systems

GPR – Ground Penetrating Radar Systems for Underground Utilities

GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) systems enable operators to detect underground utilities, particularly non-conductive pipes and ducts, using high-frequency Radar.  When locating underground utilities, GPR can be a valuable complement to electromagnetic cable and pipe locators.

Enhanced damage prevention through innovative new range of GPR systems giving efficient, accurate location of underground utilities. Radiodetection is pleased to announce the launch of the Radiodetection RD1100 and RD1500 GPR utility locating systems offering a range of products for viewing and analysing buried utilities. 

 

What is Ground Penetrating Radar?

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a geophysical method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. This non destructive method uses electromagnetic radiation in the microwave band (UHF/VHF frequencies) of the radio spectrum, and detects the reflected signals from subsurface structures. GPR can have applications in a variety of media, including rock, soil, ice, fresh water, pavements and structures. In the right conditions, practitioners can use GPR to detect subsurface objects, changes in material properties, and voids and cracks.

 

GPR uses high-frequency (usually polarized) radio waves, usually in the range 10 MHz to 2.6 GHz. A GPR transmitter emits electromagnetic energy into the ground. When the energy encounters a buried object or a boundary between materials having different permittivity’s, it may be reflected or refracted or scattered back to the surface. A receiving antenna can then record the variations in the return signal. The principles involved are similar to seismology, except GPR methods implement electromagnetic energy rather than acoustic energy, and energy may be reflected at boundaries where subsurface electrical properties change rather than subsurface mechanical properties as is the case with seismic energy.